Little hints suggesting of a darker theme are dispersed throughout the beginning half of the story using foreshadowing. One of the first examples of this is the name of the island which Rainsford and Whitney are passing, dubbed Ship Trap Island by superstitious sailors who have a “curious dread of the place”. The sinister tone of the name and the aversion the sailors seem to have towards it instantly makes the reader suspicious, however Rainsford dismisses the stigma surrounding the island as ridiculous. Later, when swimming towards the island, he hears a “high screaming sound, the sound of an animal in an extremity of anguish and terror” followed by a pistol shot. Rainsford has hunted every animal known to man, so it is unsettling that he does not recognize this one. He is even comforted by the gunshot, and continues swimming towards what he believes to be civilized human beings. Foreshadowing is laced heavily throughout the beginning to intrigue the reader and make them think.
As the story moves on, Connell …show more content…
The owner of this weapon is “the largest man Rainsford had ever seen--a gigantic creature, solidly made and black bearded to the waist”. Ivan’s direct introduction instantly establishes him as an antagonist, whereas Zaroff is less easy to read at first. However the image of the regal old gentleman ascending the marble steps to call off his vicious guard slowly dissolves, replaced by an arrogant and selfish monster who revels in the pain of others to overcome his boredom. Zaroff’s self obsession is most evident in the way he speaks about himself to Rainsford, openly declaring his philosophy on life- “"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I
As the story moves on, Connell …show more content…
The owner of this weapon is “the largest man Rainsford had ever seen--a gigantic creature, solidly made and black bearded to the waist”. Ivan’s direct introduction instantly establishes him as an antagonist, whereas Zaroff is less easy to read at first. However the image of the regal old gentleman ascending the marble steps to call off his vicious guard slowly dissolves, replaced by an arrogant and selfish monster who revels in the pain of others to overcome his boredom. Zaroff’s self obsession is most evident in the way he speaks about himself to Rainsford, openly declaring his philosophy on life- “"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I